Chapter 36: Interested In Remaining Disinterested
1960Page 4,722 of 5,444
Baba did not say anything. This was another example of his indifferent state.
Bhau would keep watch until midnight, and afterwards, Vishnu (when he was there), Pendu and Rano would share the duty for a few hours each until six o'clock in the morning. Once when Pendu was on watch, a scorpion stung him, but Baba did not say a word. Pendu writhed silently and could seek treatment only after his duty was over. Baba would usually be attentive to the smallest things, but during this period his listlessness increased to such an extent that it seemed no event, however calamitous, could move him.
During that time, Baba asked neither for a drink of water, nor for his commode to answer nature's call. These were to be given to him unasked. One night Bhau handed him a glass of sherbet. Baba poured it into the glass that he used to pass urine, and then looked at Bhau. Bhau immediately grasped what he meant, which was that Baba wanted him to drink it. So he drank the sweetened water, and Baba quietly watched him. Bhau then washed the glass and gave it back to Baba for urinating. Baba just sat there like a statue, and Bhau had to remind Baba repeatedly to relieve himself. Finally, he did.
During those days, Bhau felt as if a thunderstorm were bursting over his head. Baba showed his aversion to him and would not allow him to come near him. At night, Bhau would be on watch, and during the day he would remain in his room writing. He was working on Hindi ghazals at the time (later titled Meher Geet Suda [Songs of Meher's Wine]), but Baba was totally indifferent toward his efforts. Bhau felt as if Baba's days were numbered and his life was coming to an end. All the mandali felt similarly.
Becoming indifferent to all, Baba made them interested in his disinterestedness. The more passive he was, the more attentive they were to him. On account of his indifferent attitude, the mandali were more determined and cautious than ever in following his behests to avoid the least cause of annoyance to him.
A few weeks later, in November 1960, when Eruch's brother Meherwan came to Meherazad, he too was struck by Baba's condition. He described:
It was the first time that I had seen Baba so completely withdrawn within himself. At that time there was no verandah [on the men's side]. Baba's chair would be placed in the open and the mandali would sit around him, but not a word would be spoken.